10 Great Virginia Beers To Taste This Weekend

1. Black Forest Ale, St George Brewing Co

Black Forest Ale is a classic English Mild ale with a dark, forbidden twist. The initial perception of the beer, at least visually, will be in complete contrast to the actual beer flavor. Impenetrably black with a thick mocha head. With flavors reminiscent of biscuit and caramel with a well-balanced gentle hop character.

2. Troopers Alley IPA, Wolf Hills Brewing

The intense hop bill of this American-style IPA will tempt you with citrus aroma and bitterness. A discrete malt bill of 2-row Pale Malt forms the backbone and a blend of Crystal/Caramel 40 is added for slight sweetness and color to draw you in to the varied hop experience. Simcoe and Columbus hops added throughout the boil provide an alluring bitterness. An enticing blend of Columbus, Amarillo, Simcoe, Cascade, and Centennial balances the bitterness with a fragrant aroma and pleasing finish.

3. C’Ville on the Rye’z IPA, C’ville-ian Brewing Company

This is a deep golden rye with a thick head that lasts till the final sip while slightly lacing the glass. Intense nose of sweet citrus and pine with a touch of spice. Big citrus hop profile from the massive dosing of Cascade, with spicy notes from the rye. Beer finishes with a seemingly everlasting sweet hop flavor and a dry mouthfeel.

4. Great Dismal, O’Connor Brewing Co.

Named after the wildlife refuge in VA and NC that was once used as part of the Intracoastal Waterway, the Great Dismal Black IPA is a dark, full bodied ale, extensively hopped both in bittering and aroma.

5. Agents of Chaos, , Chaos Mountain Brewing

Dark to the point of blackness with a toasted brown head, this ale is full of decadent dark fruits and caramel with a hint of the high ABV hiding beneath it all. Great with roasted meats or as an after dinner drink in place of port. An experience in a glass that does not disappoint. Best served slightly warmer than you are used to, letting all of those flavors escape.

6. Anniversary Imperial Brown Ale, Legend Brewing Company

To celebrate their 20th Anniversary and pay tribute to our Brown Ale, they brewed a bolder and more robust version of the Legend Brown. The imperial version has an even fuller body, stronger malt flavors, and an added hop character. Seven types of barley malt yield a deep, rich body evoking biscuit, caramel, chocolate and coffee flavors. Our house ale yeast adds a level of fruity esters, and a moderate hop bite combines with alcohol warmth for a balanced finish.

7. “10* Farmers” Pale Ale, Three Notch’d Brewing Company

This delightfully fresh, exceptional pale ale is 90% Cascade and rounded off with Zeus, Chinook, and Nugget. Please enjoy this beer fresh and check back each year for 10* Farmers Pale Ale at harvest time.

8. Saison, Mad Fox Brewing Company

Sturdy farmhouse-style ale that showcases a yeast from Northern France, along the Belgian border. The earth and spice notes as well as the citrus fruit character are yeast driven. The balance and complexity of the aroma will change as the beer warms in your hand. Medium bitterness and honeyish malt with a semi-dry finish.

10. Velvet Glove Bourbon Barrel Imp. Stout, Smartmouth Beer

Velvet Glove is a force to be reckoned with. This big beer boasts loads of heavily roasted malts that rival assertive hops. Delicate hints of bourbon, chocolate and stone fruit surface behind its colossal flavor. Brewed by the British to satiate the Russians’ – and namely, Catherine the Great’s – penchant for formidable beer, the high alcohol content and hops kept this stout fresh for the long transit through the Baltic Sea. While stouts are traditionally paired with oysters, this beer also complements lamb stew, ribeye steak, chocolate and a nice cigar.